Personally, I have generally focused on the SE Valley, Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Mesa, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Florence, Coolidge, and Maricopa.

It cant be taught per se, ya just gotta do it, over& over & over.But think of how good a shape your arms are gonna be!

Rental income is defined by the IRS as passive, so no se tax anyway... 

Not me per se as we only do mezz debt but the long term lender got their clock cleaned and the investor lost their asset and their fico.. 

I have a few connections I could help you out with, depending on where it is at in the metro (N,S,E or W?)

Thinking you need to start with 20 units isn't a BAD thing, per se, but you'll probably miss many simpler opportunites while you are thinking about this big fish. 

If you have sufficient income to max out your fica/se tax, then its really not "hurting" you. 

If it’s the neighborhood and convenience of commuting that’s the draw not your apt/office per se get rid of it get the primary loan and rent a new office/crash pad for commuting after after.

Flipping will just add SE income onto your normal income and as stated, is a 5a-9p soul sucking job with high transaction costs.    

Assuming Bob could find an attorney to file a suit against Jill and John for fraud or if Bob filed it pro se, I suspect their attorney would have it dismissed on a motion.